FCC votes to go forward with net neutrality rules

The Federal Communications Commission voted to go forward with the proposal of new rules that could set standards for Internet providers who wish to create paid priority fast lanes on their networks.

The preliminary vote submits the so-called net neutrality rules for formal public comment. After the 120-day period ends, the FCC will revise the proposal and vote on a final set of rules.

A previous set of rules from 2010 was struck down by an appeals court in January after Verizon challenged them.

The FCC says the rules currently proposed follow the blueprint set forth by that court decision. But the commission also will consider the possibility of defining Internet service providers as “common carriers,” like utilities, which could subject them to a higher level of regulation.